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A Minstrel in Moray

from A Minstrel in Moray by Bruce Coughlan

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lyrics

A MINSTREL IN MORRAY

Oh the banks of the Lossie or the banks of the Spey
Oh the banks of the Lossie or the banks of the Spey

I woke at dawn; nearby, a bell was ringing
Somewhere a bird was singing; I don't know
I could hear, lorries grinding gears
In a roar that echoed from the high street below

And like a drum, my head was beating
A not-so-gentle reminder of the night before
I shook my head, and set the world to turning
With thoughts of daylight burning; places to go
These are the days I wish I'd known better
A repentant sinner in the cold light of dawn
I should have learned, sooner than later
But love her, or hate her, I should leave her alone

I splash my face in water, cold and clear
The day drab and drear, but I don't care
Sharp as a thistle, I hear a kettle's whistle
The smell of breakfast frying, drifts up the stair

These are the thoughts that set me thinking
And these are the words as they came to my mind
I could live the life of a tinker
As a poet and a drinker among people so kind

The nights are long, the hours are filled with laughter
The nights are stronger than whisky-o
Down the lane, somewhere a fiddle's playing
Somewhere the dancers swaying to and fro

Bend my ear with a well-weathered story
Sing me your songs of the wide-open road
Tell me your tales of long-ancient glory
Of heroes or highwaymen, or battles of old

It's half of four; the drink's got the best of me
Devil take the rest of me in these small hours
It won't be long, till morning comes along
And I'll be up and gone and on my way

I'd spend the days, a minstrel in Moray
If I had my choice, I might be there today
I'd sing the charms, Findhorn to Portknocky
Oh the banks of the Lossie or the banks of the Spey

credits

from A Minstrel in Moray, released June 1, 2014
Produced & mastered by Joby Baker

All songs by Bruce Coughlan (SOCAN) 2009 except: Kinreen o’ the Dee – music by Bruce Coughlan, lyrics from The Piobrach O’ Kinreen by William Forsyth (1818–1879), Apron Strings – music by Phil Cunningham, lyrics by Bruce Coughlan and Ower Lang Awa’ – music by Bruce Coughlan, lyrics by James McQueen of Forres, published 1905. Additional Gaelic lyrics by Mary Ann Kennedy

Recorded and mixed at Baker Studios Ltd., Victoria, BC
Additional tracks recorded at Watercolour Music, Ardgour, Scotland

Bruce Coughlan – 1980s Jean Larrivee D5 dreadnaught guitar (Mahogany), 1927 Ludwig “Kingston” tenor banjo, 1940s Gibson TG 50 tenor guitar (Mahogany), Casey Burns keyless wood flute (Mopane), Elf Song D Whistle (West Coast Whistle Co.), Soodlum D whistle, Antonio Duarte Portuguese cittern (circa 1900) 1965 Gibson “Heritage” dreadnaught guitar (Brazilian Rosewood), 1982 Takamine classical guitar (Rosewood) Nashville mandolin (plywood).

Joby Baker – 1939 Kay upright bass, Yamaha C5 grand piano (spanky new), 2005 Gretsch kick & toms, 1959 Rogers snare drum, Istanbul cymbals, 1940s Gibson TG 50 tenor guitar (Mahogany), DW Karn pump organ (circa 1900), wood shaker & maraca (origins unknown), Wurlitzer piano, Hammond B3, hose
Mary Ann Kennedy – Gaelic vocals on Ower Lang Awa’
Artwork & design – Carylann Loeppky

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Bruce Coughlan Maple Ridge, British Columbia

Pacific Canadian-based recording & performing artist, Bruce Coughlan has spent decades making Acoustic Roots Music Music of all descriptions. An expressive singer and rock-solid guitarist, Bruce is driven by one guiding principle: It's all about the Song. ... more

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